George Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington was the first President of the United States of America. He was president after the United States gained independence in 1783. Later in 1796, George Washington announced he was stepping down from office after serving two terms. In the Farewell Address written by George Washington, he includes many of his ideas and advice on running the government after he is gone. Out of everything Washington said, the piece of advice the U.S. government should adopt is not having two different political parties. He said, “It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but in those of the popular form it is seen in its greatest rankness and is truly their worst enemy” (Washington). George Washington was talking about the political parties that were forming. These political parties were called the Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republican Party. He believed that political parties are the country’s worst enemies because they can divide the country. After all the people’s hard work to become independent, George Washington believed political parties would destroy their unity. These ideas were influential because George Washington was the one to say them. Many admired him and respected him, even after he was no longer president. The U.S. government should adopt George Washington’s advice on not having two different political parties. Political parties have caused a big division in the country. It would be best to regain unity and become stronger as an entire country. This way the country can grow and accomplish more together.